The Galaxy Note 3 release date will likely arrive later this month, and Samsung fans who are thinking about upgrading their smartphones are likely waiting for the 6.3-inch redesigned smartphone-tablet hybrid (phablet for short) to launch rather than pay for the Note 2 5.5-inch screen. I response, the South Korean tech giant is offering it's second generation phablet at a significant price drop. Uswitch reports that the Galaxy Note 2 is selling at a 50 percent discount of $189.99 SIM-free.

Across the web, online retailers are doing their best to unload the Note 2 ahead of the upcoming Galaxy Note 3 release date. Amazon and Verizon and others are both offering discounts on the second generation Samsung phablet. These deals are extended to new customers as well as current customers looking to adeird a new device to their pre-existing family service plan.

Uswitch argues (and we agree wholeheartedly with them) that this is a sign that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date is fast approaching:

The moves from two the biggest players in the US mobile market is fuelling conjecture that the Note 3 is just around the corner and could even take a bow at Mobile World Congress this month along with its larger stablemate, the Note 8.0.

It seems like everything Samsung does only serves to spur rumors that the Galaxy Note 3 release date is pegged for February 2013. The only question left is whether the launch will take place at the 2013 Mobile World Congress (MWC) or at a separate special event organized by Samsung.

In the past Samsung has used MWC to launch smartphones and other devices. The Note 2 was actually unveiled at last year's MWC, but more recently the tech company has launched it's biggest devices at special events. That's why we think the Galaxy Note 3 release date will be announced at a separate event.

Soon afterward, Samsung leaked a picture of the redesigned chip on Twitter. The Christian Post was quick to cover the Galaxy Note 3 release date news.

"The image of the chip was posted onto the Internet through Twitter," wrote CT reporter Vincent Funaro. "Samsung appears to be teasing customers to build up anticipation for its new devices."

Once the Galaxy Note 3 release date arrives it's internal function will be unlike any Samsung device before it, thanks to the Exynos 5 Octa processor. The chip is actually composed of two separate processors, an A7 and an A15. The smaller A7 will handle lighter tasks, only relying on the A15 for more complicated actions.

This will actually allow the Galaxy Note 3 release date arrives the redesigned phablet will actually be able to conserve energy. That doesn't mean it won't be a powerful device though. Samsung has promised that the phablet will be the "most powerful processor to ever be used on a smartphone or tablet," the Christian Post reported.

While the Galaxy Note 3 release date may be the first event to feature the redesigned processor, it won't be the only Samsung smartphone sporting the Exynos 5 Octa this year. Don't forget about the Galaxy S4.

Galaxy Note 3 Release Date Specs: Is Bigger Always Better?

When the Galaxy Note 3 release date arrives it will mea the biggest Samsung smartphone ever, even the biggest from any company, according to Tech Radar.

When the original Note was released in 2011 it's 5.3-inch screen was harshly criticized by tech critics, earning it the snarky "phablet" nickname. But the Note went on to sell over 20 million units, and last year Samsung came out with the Note 2, which featured a 5.5-inch screen and quickly caught on with consumers.

With the Galaxy Note 3 release date Samsung will continue to push the limits of mobile sanity with a 6.3-inch display design (.8-inches bigger than its predecessor. We can't but wonder if that's just to big. Will it even fit in your pocket or a small purse? Only time will tell.

"Foldable, rollable, wearable and more, [and] will allow for a high degree of durability through their use of a plastic substrate that is thinner, lighter and more flexible than... conventional LCD technology."

That's all the Galaxy Note 3 release date news we have so far, but check out running list of specs, features and design details: